That’s right! I’m back 🙂
I know I haven’t written in a while but that’s because the crazy road trip I did last summer lead to a year of planning a new move.
Yes, I am officially living in France for the next year! You’ll be hearing a lot from me as I take on this new adventure and all its challenges.
If you’re curious about the past year check out the blog I just wrote on DianeKroe.com
In the meantime here’s a gallery of what I’ve been up too!
Okay, so this is for all my ladies out there. There’s something you need to know.
There is like – a pretty major gap between what girls considering “hiking” and what guys do when they hike.
Girls are all like – Okay I’m gonna throw on my yoga pants and kicks and head up some paved Hollywood hills with my bestie. We’ll get to the top all sweaty and snap some selfies …and then we’ll do lunch.
And then there’s guy hiking which is a lot more along the lines of – Let’s hike down about 2,000 ft for 4 hours into a canyon. Sleep overnight at some camp site and then hike allllll the fucking way back up.
Ya. That was more or less my day last Sunday.
But! I will say that:
1) I knew when I agreed to go on this adventure that I was going with someone far more experienced than me in hiking and I willing jumped in not knowing how intense it may or may not be
2) My hiking partner is extremely considerate of my limits and is prepared for anything.
No we didn’t go all the way to the bottom and round trip what we did probably took us about 6 hrs instead of two days.
BUT had I not been there or had my hiking partner not been as experienced and made me do the whole thing — I woulda been sleeping at the bottom of a canyon.
So be fare warned ladies – on your internet dating profile. When you match with a dude cause you both like hiking…… probably not the same thing.
Jus sayin…
Soooo! Diane was so happy with my gush over her collection the other day that she’s offering anyone who reads my blog or follows me online Free Shipping on Any order in the next two weeks!
Check out www.DianeKroe.com and use the promo code FreeTegan for free shipping!
Headed out of Zion NP. By far our favorite on the trip so far. We are both sad to leave so soon but must stick to some sort of timeline since we only have 2 months and there’s so much to see.
We headed through the park and out the east entrance in search of a camp ground for the night.
A State park sign for Pink Sand Dunes pops up so we he head in that direction.
It was a hot day today and the sunset was ablaze to prove it.
We found a little overlook so we stopped. While listening to Louis Armstrong’s Louisiana style jazz we sat on big pink rocks, smoked cigarettes and watched the sky turn all shades of purple, pink, orange and yellow.
Naturally Mickael couldn’t help but go up to the highest point around for the view and I couldn’t help but dance around like a fool listening to sweet jazz that reminds me of my fav American city, New Orleans.
There’s no way to describe it. It was a movie moment. We have had so many of these lately.
The end of the road lead to a sweet camp ground with great private showers. Wow 3 consecutive showers in 3 days. I’m starting to feel spoiled.
In a classic rookie blunder, I wrote this wicked blog about how much I love wearing my Diane Kroe pieces while on this road trip and then I proceeded to lose the post…
Because I’m awesome like that!
But! It’s okay. It’s been at least a week since I wrote that piece and since then the collection has proven itself to me more than ever before.
On a 2 month adventure where my packing needed to be practical and minimal I was still able to bring some glamour bits. Now this is the kicker. I fit eight (yes, 8!!) pieces from Diane’s collection into a mid to large makeup bag. This enabled me to have pretty, silky, feminine outfits on what has so far been a somewhat rugged adventure.
I won’t lie, I’ve been camping in a tent every night, attempting to follow along side my travel companion as we hike mountains and taking showers pretty much anywhere I can swing one.
It’s defiantly been an adventure. I’ve felt out of my comfort zone and inadequate way more than once.
But when we hit the road for a long 10 hour drive to the next national park, I can slip on one of my origami tops or my tube dress and I have a luxury creature comfort from home. Which feels so good while we are cursing through the desert.
When we first rolled up, the heat practically backhanded me in the face. After a long day of driving through random mountains we found a campsite called Sandy Hollow. It was a picturesque manmade reservoir where we camped on a red clay beach.
After a couple weeks of rain in Yellowstone NP followed by extreme heat I was finally able to throw on my bikini and splash around in some water.
I threw on my origami top after my water time and proceeded to snap some shots of sunset. It was at that moment I realized. This top is perfect for desert weather. So light weight, soft and breathable. I was so relieved to rediscover the versatility of this collection.
Now, I’m getting ready to head back into Zion for more rocky goodness, hiking and a great many pictures!
Xo
Teegs
Ps.
In case you were wondering, here’s what I brought with me and managed to fit into a make up bag.
Can be worn with both sleeves, an off the shoulder one sleeve and tube dress – Can also turn into a tube top and pencil skirt.
A one-piece suite that reverse to pattern on the other side – Can also be flipped down and worn with our bandeau top turning it into a two piece (both in black or print).
My first loves of this collection in my fav colours. Can be worn as a bat sleeve top, a beach cover up, tube dress and halter-top.
Just like our one for all top but with a thicker band at the bottom to give it a dress like feel. Can be worn as a sleeveless dress, beach cover or halter.
A scarf, top, halter, cover up, a skirt. You name it the endless does it all.
In case I need to cover my arms or I need a perfect little accent belt.
Eight pieces rolled up and tucked into a make up bag! Pretty amazing stuff!
At this very moment I’m writing as Mickael and I are ripping through some desert mountain roads in Utah.
Where are we? I don’t really know. It seems to be a reoccurring theme on this trip.
Mickael insists I trust his mountain man intuition. I smile somewhat sarcastically and all I can think to say is Okay, Just don’t break the car.
Dear god, don’t break the car. We have a $500 deductible on this bad boy that I do not want to pay if anything get’s fucked up.
I started laughing to myself as I always do. How do I get myself in these situations.
Oh well, sometimes you just need to shut up, hang on and just enjoy the ride.
And can you believe – after an hour of driving around random red clay mountains we come out at the end and there is our destination. Zion National Park East entrance….
Haha! I guess that’s Mountain Man mentality for you. I’m going to have to give him credit for that one.
In my last post I revealed I was going on yet another adventure!
It’s no secret. I love to explore and the time has finally arrived.
Two months in a car with a (Damn good looking) fellow world traveller whom I met in Spain last spring. Yeah…. More details on that in my future memoirs 😉 lol
Anyway, we are hitting up tons of places including (but not limited to) Chicago, Yellowstone NP, Zion NP, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree NP, Sequoia NP, then up the coast to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Portland, Olympic NP, finally crossing back into Canada to Vancouver, Vancouver Island, then the Rockies. Because we can’t do all this and not stop in the Rockies!
It’s been a crazy couple months planning for this trip and now it’s down to one of the trickiest tasks. Packing my bag for two months where anything could happen.
Now, I would be the last person to call myself a fashionista. Sure, I’m a model and I work in fashion but I like to think of my wardobe as artsy- classic and I’m hardly concerned about the latest bag or designer brands.
However, after the last few weeks of trying to narrow down what to bring and then discovering my travelling companion literally packed 3 shirts and 3 pairs of pants, I’m starting to acknowledge that fact that I doooo have a bit of an above sverage mad love for my wardobe!
I take pride in my look its no lie and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve narrowed it down to a healty amount of basics that will get me through national parks, desserts and mountains all while looking good. With a few fancy bits thrown in of course 😉
So here is my pack list for 2 months on the road through some of America’s greatest sites!
Shirts & Tanks
I mostly stuck to a rule of three (fuck it, if it’s good enough for most world religions, it’s good enough for me!) because you get a good amount options in basic colours.
I’m sorry but black is my go too so I must have a black option for most of my outfits
And of course a couple long sleeves because sometimes you need to protect yo skin n’ stuff.
Pants & Shorts
We are going places where the weather could change at the drop of a hat and at some points I’m not sure when we will see civilization again lol so I figured it would be smart to have a few options in terms of length and warmth
Warm & Fuzzies
At some point I’ll be in the mountains so I will definitely need some tings to keep me warm. I figured a Hoosier, pullover and some fleece pants would do the trick.
Oooo and I also found this great camping pillowcase that you can stuff you clothes into! So I threw my fuzzies plus my towel into the case and viola!
Camping pillow officially sorted!
So at the end of the day it boiled down to this plus my kicks and flipflops all packed into my trusty Mission pack (that has literally gone around the world with me) with my hiking boots tied up to the front.
I think I got a fair bit of gear in there for the next two months!
When packing for outdoor related adventures its good to stick with lighter, natural colours. Most of the things I packed where beige, blue or khaki – and if corse black because some things I wont compromise! 😉
Ha! And with that in mind…
If your wondering what’s in my little make up bag you’ll have to wait for my next post! No it’s not make up and when I show you what’s in there you’ll be shocked!
Many of you may not know this but I actually started this blog as a means to give me honest, real opinion about a few things that are on the minds of many women out there.
Health, Fitness and living a full “Well” life are goals for many of us.
But in reality we all have a lot going on and trying to balance these things for anyone can be tricky to say the least!
So! I wanted to put it out there. An honest look at tryna get it all done.
I’ve been a full figured model since 2010. I’ve been blessed to work with fantastic agents, amazing photographers and gifted designers. All of whom encouraged me to be my tall ass curvy self in an industry where a size 2 is the norm.
It hasn’t been without it’s hurdles – I am the average woman’s size (10-14 on any given day). Even in a new fashion industry the encourages diversity it can be challenging as an “average size” model. However, it was my whole inspiration behind this blog.
Legit – I’m you lol.
I have another job. I have to pay my rent on time and I am constantly trying to grow and better myself. With that in mind I started this blog to give an honest, kinda cheeky look at these topics.
Recently, I’ve been getting my health on big time. I had taken some time from modelling to work and travel. Now, I am slowing reintroducing myself back into the scene and by doing so have had the opportunity to work with some more incredible people.
At the end of April I did a wonderful photoshoot with Catherine Oshanek of White Cedar.
Not only is she a very gifted photographer but Catherine’s own story is very inspiring!
She’s won numerous awards in photography and started an inedible campaign that supports young people struggling with bullying. Check out I’ve been bullied here.
It’s people like Catherine that have kept me in the modelling industry. Their drive and ability to break outside the box never ceases to encourage and inspire me to put my curvy self forward!
And now with out further ado here are some amazing new images courtesy of Catherine and White Cedar 🙂
Check out bigger and better versions of these images on my Pintrest & Tumblr
Feel free to follow too 😉
Yup, That’s right. I’m traveling again.
Beeeecause I looove this shit maaan!
This trip has been in the works for almost a year now.
It’s safe to say there have been moments (and there still are moments) where I’m completely unsure if it will happen lol.
The plan is to drive from Toronto To Los Angeles and then up the coast to San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Up to Vancouver and Vancouver Island then into the Rockies and hopefully up to the Yukon Territories. We have approximately 2 months to do this in.
I’ve been doing a lot to prepare for this. Including getting my drivers license. Between this and work my brain is feeling full on at the moment.
Now, with a month away I have to
Get my G2
Buy a car
Get the car insured
Research rentals as a back up (incase I don’t get my license…I shutter at the thought).
Buy alllll my camping gear
And fine tune the itinerary.
This can all get done in a month right?! 
More to come on planning an epic adventure soon!
So what is it with these juice cleanses anyway? What’s the big deal and what are the general public opinions on the topic?
From what I can tell, there seems to be two trains of thought that fall into the
“I swear by them” category
and the
“ Juice cleanses are bullshit” category
Both are very strong opinions and for those of you who know me, you know I don’t do well with those!
Juice Cleanse Overview:
The whole idea behind a juice cleanse is that it will aid in cleansing and flushing your body of stored up “waste” that has gotten “stuck” in you digestive tract.
For a more thorough explanation check out this video from Pulp Kitchen, which is where I purchased my cleanse (via the all mighty Toronto Groupon).
The Opposing Argument:
Now the opposition addresses the fact that the body already has built in filtration systems. This includes our best friend the liver and it’s back up band the lymphatic system. Those who say neh to juice cleanses feel that our built in system is more than efficient at filtering all the broken down booze, poutines, cheese, bacon, burgers, baked goods and any other foods us 20 somethings consume. They also believe that those who do juice cleanses only feel better afterward because they are reintroducing food back into their systems.
And With That in Mind, I Must Take a Moment To Rant:
I’m sorry! To be honest I didn’t realize that (up until 2 years ago) I was the only person in the city in my 20’s totally not giving a flying fuck about what I put into my body.
Ha! I guess I was actually alone all of those nights I spent going out to party and drink, followed by days of eating shitty, greasy, fatty, sugary (delicious) brunch.
I suppose it was also just me ordering take out food or eating whatever contents I found in my cupboards when I came home from work exhausted – almost every day.
My Bad…
So Why am I Being a Sarcastic Dick About The Opposing Argument?
Well, most people I’ve met who spew sarcastic facts condemning juice cleanses tend to party a lot harder, consume a lot of more of god only knows and are bonafide workaholics
And you know what. There’s totally nothing wrong with that. Hell, that’s what youth is for! Work hard, party harder.
But I figured it was only fair that I get on their level for a sec and speak their language. Excuse me if I can’t take your rants against juice cleanses seriously when
A) I doubt time has been taken from busy schedules to understand more about the bodies filtration systems and how strong/fragile they can actually be.
B) The actualization of what the body feels inside when it’s “clean” hasn’t happened for them yet…(again, these things take time and attention so if you’re too busy not giving a shit, you probably don’t even realize).
C) Generally, the people telling me cleanses are bullshit are people who don’t put their health on the top of their priority list.
Soooooo…. whhhhy would I listen or even validate that argument?!
Note: Of course these are generalizations based on my experience and I would happily listen or learn from anyone well versed in health who agrees with the opposition.
The Reality As Per Me: I think it’s pretty straight forward.
Yes, our bodies do have strong built in systems designed to filter out toxins.
However, the amount of toxins the average person introduces into their body daily is probably a hell of a lot more than our ancestors had and thus more then our fragile system could be designed for.
Ya, I know we grow and adapt over time but seriously, for a second ask yourself…
What do you eat daily? How much of that is natural? How much of it has been processed or modified in some way? Do you even know? Do you even know what that means? Or the difference between the two?
Just in Case – Processed Food – Genetically Modified Food –
And now, you’re going to tell me after an honest look at what you consume, that it’s completely impossible that after 20-30+ years your bodies filtration system does not run a risk of exhaustion? And while we are at it, you’re going to tell me it doesn’t deserve some consideration and attention because it’s “good at it’s job”?
I’m sorry, that kind of sounds like a crappy corporation to me.
So basically, if you don’t even take the time to consider these things – you’re being a shitty boss to your body. Think about it.
Also, let’s talk about the nutrients in fresh, organic fruit and veggies. We all know they are jam packed with goodness.
Actually, it’s one of the few things in this world that isn’t really disputed.
That’s why are parents tried to get us to eat so many. If you look at alternative forms of health they break down all of the nutrients in detail and explain their healing qualities.
To me it seems like intuitive logic. Of course organic, natural fruits and veg are full of things that will aid the body.
In my opinion, it seems like these two arguments break down into those who are content with the philosophies of “modern” medicine and those who are not and look for “alternative” solutions.
Now, I’m not saying you have to do cleanses. I don’t believe in that – at all and to be honest if you’re intaking lots of healthy fruits and veg already, chances are maybe a juice cleanse isn’t needed for you.
Everybody is different. Some people can go there whole life intaking our new levels of toxins, pollutants, processed and modified foods and not have a problem.
Others like myself who haven’t always put the best things in their bodies have discovered that constant fatigue, cravings, shitty sleep and many other things we think are normal, actually aren’t. We’ve acknowledged the message that we could feel better than we do and are therefore open to trying new things.
Personally, I’ve struggled with digestive health for years, so it’s a no brainer that eventually I would look beyond conventional methods for something that actually works for me.
I’ve been wanting to try a juice cleanse for a while – but the idea of eating no food for days has always unnerved me. I was pretty sure I would murder someone… or two.
However, after my nutritionist told me my liver could use some restoration time I decided to take it into consideration.
So I bought Pulp Kitchen 3 day juice cleanse just so I could test this whole process and see if it was actually beneficial. I figured this would be a nice way to ease myself into it and a short enough period that I could handle.
Here is a brief account of my 3 day cleanse:
Day 1: A total Mind Fuck
I spent most of my morning strictly in panic over whether I could do 3 days with no food. I obsessed over food almost every waking minute and therefore spent too much time on Pintrest looking at foodporn. By mid day I felt pretty exhausted and thought I’d have to spent the following two days stuck in bed.
Day 2: The Worst Was Over
I started to feel pretty icky on the second morning. However, once I had my juice and a litre of water the feeling totally dissipated. By the afternoon I actually felt wonderful. I was full of energy and realizing how much of my attachment to food was in my mind. I felt really good putting all this healthyness into my body. However, I was still looking forward to that last day. I was excited for it to be over.
Day 3: Wow That Worked Fast
What a mind game this was for me. As per most fears, it was all in my head. My body handled the cleanse really well. I felt great and had tons of energy. Also, my natural concentration levels where sky high. Higher then they ever are!
I decided to go buy groceries on day 3 so I would have a healthy food integration the following days. I was very surprised when I felt completely unaffected at the market. I wasn’t hungry and I no longer wanted the cleanse to be over. I wanted to opposite. I could have easily done another 2 days…maybe more.
By the end of my cleanse people were making comments left right and centre about my skin. I was kind of surprised since it was only a few days – but it seems like everyone saw a difference…
Oh and ladies…I was legit glowing…like my shoulders had a natural sheen to them…it was crazy!
At the end of the day you’ve got to do what feels right for you. I’ve tried shit like the master cleanse before and failed after a day – but a juice cleanse with proper juices to help regulate your hormones, sugar intake and cravings, I think, is the way to go 100%
Important to remember:
Drink 3-6 litre of water a day. I know that sounds mental. And you should really gage how much water you consume based on varying factors (height, weight etc.) but I find that 6 litre was what I needed. Our bodies can dehydrate very easily (so easily we don’t even realize). There are so many benefits to staying hydrated and all that water will help to flush the active ingredients in the juices through you system giving it a good clean out.
Tip: Try getting a water bottle with a straw built into it. You’d be amazing at how fast you can down 500ml when a straw is involved.
I’m defiantly feeling positive about the cleanse. I’ll happily do another one this summer and I would love to extend it to a 5 or 7 day.
So as a wrap up…
I’ll say the cleanse was great for me even though I had mad fear that it wouldn’t be. Now, because I have successfully gone through the process I will do it again and probably blatantly ignore anyone who is trying to knock it down when they have never tried it and don’t really know what’s going on in their own bodies!!
Happy Juicing Peeps!
Life In Progress 